All our heirloom plants are all started from seed in our sprouting room located on the 3rd floor of the house. Peppers & Eggplants in January, and Tomatoes are staggered through February & March.

In 2017 we added another greenhouse to accommodate the seedlings when they are kicked out of the house in April. It’s tough love, but we need to harden them off and make room for the next wave of plants.

We have an open door policy, so feel free to stop by and see the progression.

Once all chance of frost is gone, all those plants are transplanted into the earth where they grow to maturity. Patience is required. Especially this year. 2017 Was a record setting wet & cold year with localized flooding and several hail storms. Lucky for us we had someone looking out for us.

When all was said and done, there was a jungle of deliciousness out there begging to be picked. Yum!

In staying with our first tradition: Garlic.
This crop was planted in the fall of 2014 & uncovered in the spring 2015.

Everything is in and growing, but it’s a constant battle of man versus weed.

But there is always time to have a little fun… with another new tradition at Veggie Trail Farms – an outdoor Celtic concert with our friendly musicians “Occasional Pudding.”

2015 Brought Honey Bees to the property
These hives are owned by the Ottawa Community Beekeepers and are here to teach people more about bees and how they are managed. While here, they do a fabulous job of pollinating our gardens.

co-op students

Matt-man, co-op

Steve the Bee Whisperer

After 2 Years of adding tons of compost, the gardens were more productive.

Kale

Beans

Garlic time again. While we were down at the farm, we were able to harvest an abundance of organic apples from the old family orchard.

Before we knew it the season came to an end, again.
Year #3 at our present location
Year #20 for Veggie Trail Farms